Maldivian Plights

Being an Environmental Biologist by training, I was really sympathetic about the plights of the Maldives people.

It's a nation with over one thousand islands and atolls; and with the maximum elevation of only about 2.3 meters above sea level, it's really susceptible to the rising of the sea level. In fact, it was almost wiped off the world map during the 2004 Tsunami.

Now, the nation that owes its GDP mostly on tourism industries (20% of total GDP) and fisheries (15% of total GDP) is facing a race against time to save itself from total annihilation or, should I say, from becoming the modern day Atlantis.

But at least they are doing something about it. From pushing for the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by the US, to declaring a Carbon-Neutral initiative by turning to wind and solar power within a decade.

President Mohamed Nasheed said in a statement that if the current situation doesn't improve, he would have to find his countrymen a new country to live in. That indicates how bad the situation that they are facing now.

I got this article from the BBC online and it's a very interesting read. Here is an excerpt of it.....

By Chris Morris
BBC News, Maduvari, Maldives

Looking down from a sea plane flying above the Maldives, the coral islands are spread across the water like giant jellyfish emerging from the depths.

People have lived on this archipelago for 3,000 years, and from the air it looks absolutely wonderful.

But down below is the front line in the fight against sea level rise.

We land at a remote atoll - Maduvari - with Maldives Vice-President Mohamed Waheed. It is home to about 2,000 people.

The vice-president takes me to a beach that used to be a paved road 3m (15ft) wide - it has now been reclaimed by the sea. And houses nearby are crumbling into the water.

"There is a natural process, or erosion, going on," Dr Waheed says. "But that process is being worsened by changing global weather patterns."

"How long do you think this island can be inhabited?" I ask.

"Not more than 20 years," he says. "Then we'll have to abandon it. Children growing up in primary school now won't be able to live here."...........

Click HERE to read it further.

I think, we as Malaysians are very fortunate that we are not in the Maldivians positions. However, this is not a reason to destroy our environment at will. Everyone needs to do their parts in ensuring that we are living in a sustainable environment.

So, please stop ruining our slopes, please stop polluting our waters, please recycle, reuse and reduce...and I can go on and on.....